Pure holding structures face enhanced due diligence everywhere — digital EMIs usually decline them. The realistic route is a full-service bank where a relationship team reviews the structure: ENBD, FAB, CBD and Zand have the compliance depth for it. Expect source-of-wealth documentation and a multi-week timeline.
Catalogue updated
Emirates NBD Business Connect Emirates NBD The top catalogue-ranked product in this list — reasons cite the published fields below, not a paid placement. Methodology
Products are shown in catalogue order, not as a personalised recommendation. Compare the details and confirm current terms with the provider. Methodology
Entry package for startups and professional licences: online-only access with no minimum balance and the first 30 days free, backed by a full-service bank.
AED 249/month + VAT (~AED 261.45) after the first 30 days free; no minimum balance requirement. Higher tiers waive the fee at AED 50,000 average balance.
Multi-currency business account (AED, USD, GBP, JPY, EUR) from the UAE’s largest bank — AED 250/month below a AED 10,000 average balance.
AED 250/month applies when the monthly average balance falls below AED 10,000; first cheque book free. Verify the current schedule of charges.
Conventional-bank business account from a CBUAE-licensed local bank: full branch network plus iBusiness online banking — suits companies that want an established bank relationship over a digital-only account.
Package terms, minimum balance and transaction fees are agreed per business package; public minimum-balance figures vary between packages. Branch visit typically required.
UAE's first all-digital bank — corporate-grade accounts with API banking. Expensive floor: AED 250,000 monthly average or AED 500 + VAT/mo.
Fees & Charges: minimum monthly average balance AED 250,000 — below that AED 500 + VAT/mo. Local outward transfer AED 5 + CBUAE charges; international outward AED 55 equivalent + correspondent charges. Per Zand fees schedule, verified Oct 2026.
| Product | Monthly fee | Min balance | Approval | Free zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates NBD Business Connect | AED 249 | AED 0 | 1–2 weeks | Yes |
 FAB Business Basic | AED 250 | AED 10,000 | 1–3 weeks | Yes |
| CBD Business Account | Not published | Not published | 2–6 weeks | Yes |
| Zand Corporate | AED 500 | AED 250,000 | 1–2 weeks | Yes |
For startups watching fixed cost: compare monthly fee and minimum balance first — lowest published monthly cost: Emirates NBD Business Connect. For a free-zone company: All products here onboard free-zone entities — compare on fees next. For founders outside the UAE: remote onboarding with no branch visit: Emirates NBD Business Connect and Zand Corporate. For import-export and multi-currency flows: widest published currency coverage: FAB Business Basic.